The famous Tsar Bell (64), the biggest Russian bell, stands at the bottom of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower. However, Moscow has never heard its powerful tolling. It was cast by Moscow craftsmen Ivan and Mikhail Motorins for the Assumption belfry.
In May, 1737 a fire started in the town while the great bell was still getting cold in the casting pit. Some cold water was accidentally poured in the pit when they tried to put the fire out; the bell cracked and a piece weighing 12 tons fell off.
Another example of foundry art is presented by the Tsar Cannon (57) that stands in Ivanoskaya (Ivan's) Square. The Tsar Cannon is the largest ancient gun in the world. It was created in Moscow in 1586. The name of the cannon is associated with the image of Theodor Ivanovich the Tsar, but it is more likely that it originates from the magnitude of the weapon. The Tsar Cannon was never engaged in a real battle; not a single shot was done from it. But it is doubtless that it was cast as a combat cannon for defending Moscow Kremlin.
Let us now leave Sobornaya Square and go to the Grand Kremlin palace (69) where Russian emperors used to stay when coming to Moscow. The Armory Chamber (70) joins the palace. The Russian Diamond Fund (70) is located in the same building. The Diamond Fund is a state collection of jewelry of great historical, artistic and also material value. The exhibition items include: the signs of Tsar power - the orb, the scepter and the crown, Orlov and Shakh diamonds, the largest cut sapphire in the world, the largest golden slug preserved in the world. Modern jewelry is also exhibited in the Diamond Fund.